Mining claw bit

ABSTRACT

A mining bit includes a bit body having a central axis, the bit body having a forward portion with faceted surfaces and a rearward attachment portion. The mining bit further includes a plurality of wings extending from the faceted surfaces of the bit body and arranged about a central hub. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on distal ends of the wings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the priority of a provisional application under35 U.S.C. §119(e), namely U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/970,146filed on Sep. 5, 2007, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to equipment used in themining industry. More particularly, embodiments disclosed herein relateto mining claw bits.

2. Background Art

Relatively large rotary drills may commonly be used in the miningindustry for the drilling of holes in ore beds and strata. Large earthboring machines capable of drilling to depths of 500 feet or more may beused in a process which involves mapping out a drill pattern, drilling ablast hole, and filling the blast hole with explosives. Blasts mayconsist of 200 to 300 holes, each hole containing up to one ton ofexplosives. Various types of drill bits have been developed and used inthe process, including drag bits, claw bits, and conical roller-conebits. Drill bits may use steel conical cutting element or teeth withextremely hard tungsten carbide tips secured into sockets in the forwardor working ends of the cutters.

For the drill bit to drill through a formation, sufficient rotationalmoment and axial force must be applied to the bit to cause the cuttingelements to cut into and/or crush formation as the bit is rotated. Axialforce applied to the bit is typically referred to as the weight on bit(“WOB”). Additionally, the portion of the weight of drilling toolassembly supported by a suspending mechanism of rig is typicallyreferred to as the hook load. Additionally, rotational moment can beprovided by BHA components such as positive displacement motor or downhole turbines. Rotational moment applied to the drilling tool assemblyby the drill rig (usually by a rotary table or a top drive) to turn thedrilling tool assembly is referred to as the rotary torque. The speed atwhich the drilling rig rotates drilling tool assembly, typicallymeasured in revolutions per minute (“RPM”), is referred to as the rotaryspeed.

The speed and economy with which a wellbore is drilled, as well as thequality of the hole drilled, depend on a number of factors. Thesefactors include, among others, the mechanical properties of the rockswhich are drilled, the diameter and type of the drill bit used, the flowrate of the drilling fluid, and the rotary speed and axial force appliedto the drill bit. It is generally the case that for any particularmechanical property of a formation, a drill bit's rate of penetration(“ROP”) corresponds to the amount of axial force on and the rotary speedof the drill bit. The rate at which the drill bit wears out is generallyrelated to the ROP. Various methods have been developed to optimizevarious drilling parameters to achieve various desirable results.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,360, assigned to Engstrom, discloses a rotary miningbit suitable for use in the drilling of blasting holes in the miningindustry. The bit comprises a central hollow body with a plurality ofwings extending outwardly therefrom, with each wing having a leadingedge with a plurality of cutting tooth sockets disposed therealong andeach of the sockets having a cutting tooth affixed therein.

During drilling operations, various formations may be encountered whichrequire more robust bits because of harder material. Further, due to theharder formations, the rate of penetration, or ROP, of the drill bit maydecrease. Also contributing to decreased ROP may be an inability toremove cuttings from a borehole as needed. Lack of cutting removal maybe due to insufficient cleaning from flow nozzles because of impropernozzle size or placement on the drill bit.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a mining bit having increasedstructural rigidity while still allowing for easy manufacturability.Further, a person skilled in the art may appreciate a mining bitproviding an improved rate of penetration (ROP) during drillingoperations and more efficient cutting removal.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mining bitcomprising a bit body having a central axis, the bit body comprising aforward portion having faceted surfaces and a rearward attachmentportion. The mining bit further includes a plurality of wings extendingfrom the faceted surfaces of the bit body and arranged about a centralhub and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on distal ends of thewings.

In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mining bitcomprising a bit body having a central axis, the bit body comprising aforward portion having faceted surfaces and a rearward attachmentportion. The mining bit further includes a plurality of curved wingsextending from the faceted surfaces of the bit body and arranged about acentral hub forward the forward portion of the bit body and a pluralityof cutting elements disposed on distal ends of the wings.

In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mining bitcomprising a bit body having a central axis, the bit body comprising aforward portion having faceted surfaces and a rearward attachmentportion. The mining bit further includes a plurality of slanted wingsextending from the faceted surfaces of the bit body and arranged about acentral hub forward the forward portion of the bit body and a pluralityof cutting elements disposed on distal ends of the wings.

In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mining bitcomprising a bit body having a central axis, the bit body comprising aforward portion having faceted surfaces and a rearward attachmentportion The mining bit further includes a plurality of offset wingsextending from the faceted surfaces of the bit body and arranged about acentral hub forward the forward portion of the bit body and a pluralityof cutting elements disposed on distal ends of the wings.

In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a mining bitcomprising a bit body having a central axis, the bit body comprising aconical forward portion and a rearward attachment portion. The miningbit further includes a plurality of wings extending from the conicalportion of the bit body and arranged about a central hub and a pluralityof cutting element receptacles configured to removeably receive cuttingelements disposed therein.

In another aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method ofassembling a mining bit, the method comprising providing a bit bodyhaving a central axis and comprising faceted surfaces on a forwardsection, attaching a plurality of wings to the faceted surfaces of thebit body and to a central hub, positioning the central hub forward ofthe forward section of the bit body, and disposing cutting elements ontodistal ends of the wings.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a mining bit with flat blades in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an end view of the mining bit with flat blades in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is an end view of a central hub of the mining bit in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a side view of a mining bit having a non-faceted forwardsection in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E is an end view of a mining bit having a non-faceted forwardsection in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1F is a side view of a mining bit having slots in wings inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1G is a side view of a mining bit having slots in wings inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a mining bit with offset flat blades inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is an end view of the mining bit with offset flat blades inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a mining bit with offset, slanted flat bladesin accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an end view of the mining bit with offset, slanted flatblades in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a side view of a mining bit with curved offset blades inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is an end view of the mining bit with curved offset blades inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a mining bit with variable spaced wings inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B is an end view of the mining bit with variable spaced wings inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is an end view of a mining bit with five wings in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is an end view of a mining bit with three wings in accordancewith embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a side view of a mining bit including radial nozzles inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is an end view of a mining bit including radial nozzles inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C is a section view of a mining bit including radial nozzles inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a mining bit including radial and centernozzle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is an end view of a mining bit including radial and centernozzle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a section view of a mining bit including radial and centernozzle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to equipment used inthe mining industry. More particularly, embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to mining claw bits.

The present disclosure comprises various embodiments of a rotary miningbit, which may be used for the drilling of blast holes in mineraldeposits for the placement of explosive therein. The bit may be adaptedfor use in relatively soft formations as well as in harder mineraldeposits. While the present bit is particularly adapted for the drillingin the mining industry, it may also be adaptable for the drilling ofholes for gas, oil, and water wells, as well as for the drilling ofother holes for various other purposes.

FIG. 1A shows a mining bit 100 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Mining bit 100 includes a bit body 102 having acentral axis 103, and further includes a non-conical, polygonal, orfaceted forward section 104 and a rearward attachment section 106 forconnection with a drill stem (not shown). A person skilled in the artwill understand various methods to secure attachment section 106 ofmining bit 100 to the drill stem (not shown) including threading andwelding. Referring to FIG. 1D and 1E, in certain embodiments, mining bit100 may comprise a bit body 102 having a conical, or non-faceted,forward section 104.

Further, mining bit 100 comprises wings 108 extending from bit body 102.Leading edges 116 of wings 108 may be defined as the distal edge ofwings 108 or the face of wing 108 which is facing in a downholedirection of mining bit 100. Leading edges 116 of wings 108 may beangled with respect to a plane normal to central axis 103. The angle mayvary depending on rate of penetration (ROP), cutting removal efficiency,etc. desired, of which would be known to one skilled in the art.Further, leading edge 116 of wings 108 may be parallel with respect to aplane normal to central axis 103.

Still further, receptacle mounts 109 may be disposed on leading edges116 of wings 108 and configured to releasably receive cutting elementreceptacles 110, and cutting elements, or picks, 112 disposed in cuttingelement receptacles 110. Cutting element receptacles 110 may be attachedto leading edge 116 of wings 108 by methods including welding, brazing,fasteners, or the like known to those skilled in the art. Cuttingelements 112 may include mining picks, polycrystalline diamond compactcutters, tungsten carbide inserts or other cutters known to thoseskilled in the art. Embodiments disclosed herein may use picks fordrilling operations in the mining industry.

Referring to FIG. 1F, in certain embodiments, receptacle mounts may beomitted and slots 118 may be machined or drilled directly into wings108. Cutting elements (not shown) may then be inserted into slots 118and retained by methods known to those skilled in the art including,threading, welding, or press fitting. Still further, referring to FIG.1G, in certain embodiments cutting element receptacles 110 containingpicks 112 may be disposed in slots milled directly into wings 108. Stillfurther, in certain embodiments, cutting element receptacles 110 may beformed as an integral part of wings 108.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, mining bit 100 may include a central hub 114at which wings 108 adjoin. Central hub 114 may have a cylindrical orconical outer profile, or may have a non-conical or faceted outerprofile for which to attach wings 108. A person having ordinary skill inthe art will understand methods in which to attach the wings to bit body102 and central hub 114 including, but not limited to, welding, brazing,and fasteners. Referring to FIG. 1C, an end view of a working or forwardend 104 of mining bit 100 is shown at which mining bit 100 may comprisea central hub 114 having a solid body with no center hole therethrough.In alternate embodiments, mining bit 100 may comprise a central hub 114having a center hole, or through hole, in which a center nozzle orcenter pick may be installed.

In certain embodiments, central hub 114 may be centered about centralaxis 103 of bit body 102 so that mining bit 100 may be configured todrill substantially straight. In still further embodiments, central hub114 may be offset from central axis 103 of bit body 102 therebyproviding a possibility of angled or directional drilling with miningbit 100. Further, central hub 114 may be forward of forward section 104of bit body 102 when mining bit 100 is assembled, and, therefore, maynot be in contact with bit body 102.

Now, referring to FIG. 1B, an end view of the rearward or attachment end106 of mining bit 100 is shown in accordance with embodiments disclosedherein. As shown, wings 108 may be spaced evenly 90 degrees apart fromeach other about a circumference of bit body 102. Further, two wings 108may be parallel and centered with a vertical plane 109 and the remainingtwo wings 108 parallel and centered with a horizontal plane 111. Miningbit 100 further includes air passages 114 which run through bit body 102to flush debris from the hole as material is broken up at the workingend of the hole being drilled by mining bit 100. It should be understoodthat air passages 114 may vary in the number run through bit body 102,the diameter of air passages 114, and the direction in which they arerun. Further, air passages 114 may be configured in variouscross-sectional area shapes, including, but not limited to, circular,square, triangular or other shapes known to a person skilled in the art.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, picks 112 disposed in cutting elementreceptacles 110 on wings 108 may vary in size and shape as will beunderstood by a person skilled in the art. Picks 112 may be of ahardened material suitable for downhole holing drilling operationsincluding, but not limited to, polycrystalline diamond compact cuttersor steel cutters with tungsten carbide tips. Further, it will beunderstood by a person skilled in the art that varying numbers of picks112 may be used with mining bit 100. Still further, picks 112 may bespaced in various configurations along leading edge 116 of wings 108,for example, evenly or unevenly spaced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1A, mining bit 100 includes flat wings 108with coplanar surfaces, or rectangular cross-sections, and that are alsocentered with the central axis 103 of bit body 102. In alternateembodiments, wings 108 may comprise flat non-coplanar surfaces resultingin a trapezoidal cross-sectional area with a larger base and flatsurfaces tapering to a thinner outer cross-sectional area extendingradially outwards. Further, various configurations of attaching wings108 to bit body 102 may be used on mining bit 100 as described in thefollowing embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a side view of a mining bit 200 is shown inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Miningbit 200 comprises flat wings 208 disposed on a bit body 202 that may beoffset a distance 205 from a central axis 203. In selected embodiments,offset distance 205 may be varied between about 0.050 inches to about1.5 inches, as will be known to a person having ordinary skill in theart. FIG. 2B is an end view of a forward or working end of mining bit200 which shows wings 208 spaced 90 degrees apart with two wings 208parallel and offset with a vertical plane 209 and the remaining twowings parallel and offset with a horizontal plane 211. Further, incertain embodiments, wings 208 may be offset a distance 205 as mentionedabove and slanted (not shown) at a radial angle with respect to verticalplane 209 and horizontal plane 211 rather than parallel. Further, aperson having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the radialangle (not shown) of wings 208 may be varied.

Now referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, a mining bit 300 is shown inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Miningbit 300 comprises flat wings 308 offset a distance (not shown) fromcentral axis 303 and slanted at a longitudinal angle 307 from centralaxis 303 and slanted at a radial angle 315 (FIG. 3B) from vertical plane309 and horizontal plane 311. In selected embodiments, the longitudinalangle 307 may be varied from about 1 degree to about 40 degrees, andradial angle 315 of wings 308 may be varied from about 1 degree to about30 degrees, as will be known to a person having ordinary skill in theart. Further, in selected embodiments, the offset distance (not shown)may vary from about 0.050 inches to about 4 inches. Certain embodimentsmay form a mining bit 300 having straight wings offset a distance fromcentral axis 303 and slanted at a longitudinal angle 307 from centralaxis 303, but no radial slant angle. Further, in alternate embodimentsof the present disclosure, a mining bit 300 may be formed havingstraight wings 308 offset a distance 305 from central axis 303 andslanted at a radial angle 315 from vertical plane 309 and horizontalplane 311, but no longitudinal slant angle. Still further, certainembodiments may form a mining bit 300 having straight wings slanted at alongitudinal angle 307 from central axis 303 and slanted at a radialangle 315 from vertical plane 309 and horizontal plane 311, but nooffset. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thevarious combinations and/or permutations that may be used in configuringthe wings on the bit body.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a mining bit 400 is shown in accordance withstill further embodiments of the present disclosure. Mining bit 400comprises curved wings 408 disposed on a bit body 402 that may be offseta distance 405 from a central axis 403. As mentioned previously,distance from central axis 403 may be varied as will be known to aperson skilled in the art. FIG. 4B is an end view of a working orforward end of mining bit 400 showing curved wings 408 in relation to avertical plane 409 and a horizontal plane 411. In certain embodiments(not shown), curved wings 408 may be offset a distance from central axis403 and slanted at a radial angle from a vertical plane 409 and ahorizontal plane 411.

Now referring to FIG. 5A, a side view of a mining bit 500 is shown inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Mining bit 500comprises wings 508 disposed on bit body 502 that may be unevenly orvariably spaced about a central axis 503 of bit body 502. Referring toFIG. 5B an end view of a working or forward end of mining bit 500 withvariable spacing between wings 508 is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, angles 520, 522, and524 may all differ from each other to provide the variable spacing. Inone example, angle 520 may be 100 degrees, angle 522 may be 75 degrees,and angle 524 may be 105 degrees, of which will be understood by aperson skilled in the art.

Embodiments disclosed herein may not be limited to a mining bit havingfour wings disposed on the bit body. Referring to FIG. 6A and 6B, amining bit 600 having varying numbers of wings are shown in accordancewith embodiments disclosed herein. Shown in FIG. 6A is an end view of aworking or forward end of mining bit 600 shown with five wings 608disposed on a bit body 602. Now referring to FIG. 6B, an end view ofmining bit 600 with three wings 608 disposed on bit body 602 is shown.Further, in certain embodiments (not shown), mining bit may comprise twowings oriented 180 degrees apart from each other. A person havingordinary skill in the art will understand the various options concerningthe number of wings used on the mining bit. Desired rate of penetration,overall bit weight, and the hole size to be drilled may be a few of thedetermining factors in deciding the number of wings to use. Further,combinations and/or permutations previously discussed involved withattachment and configurations of wings may be used with mining bitsregardless of the number of wings attached to the bit body.

Referring to FIG. 7A, a side view of a mining bit 700 configured forradial nozzles is shown in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.Mining bit 700 comprises a plurality of radial nozzle receptacles 720disposed in nozzle bosses 722 arranged about a central axis 703 ofmining bit 700. Nozzle bosses 722 may be formed as an integral part of abit body 702, or may be attached to bit body 702. Further, nozzle bosses722 may have carbide protection inserts 724 mounted on an outer gage padsurface 726. As shown, nozzle bosses 722 may be arranged in analternating configuration with wings 708 mounted on bit body 702. FIG.7B is an end view of mining bit 700 in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein showing the alternating configuration of radial nozzlereceptacles 720 and wings 708 about central axis 703 of mining bit 700.

Referring now to FIG. 7C, a section side view of mining bit 700configured for radial nozzles is shown in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein. As shown, a center air passage 730 extends through bitbody 702 to connect with multiple radial air passages 732. Radial airpassages 732 may extend from center air passage 730 to intersect nozzleboss air passages 723. Air passages in mining bit 700 may have acircular cross-sectional area or other geometry known to those skilledin the art. Further, air passages may have inner diameter surfaces whichprovide flow characteristics which will be understood by persons skilledin the art. Further, nozzles (not shown) may be inserted into radialnozzle receptacles 720 by methods known to those skilled in the art,including, but not limited to, threading, groove and pin retainer, andpress fit. Nozzles may be adjustable and angled to direct flow todesired locations of mining bit 700. Still further, nozzles, which arewell known in the art, may vary in size or shape to adjust the fluid orairflow through them. In certain embodiments, fluid or airflow may bedirected through radial nozzle receptacles 720 without nozzles insertedin them.

Referring now to FIG. 8A, a side view of a mining bit 800 configured forradial nozzles and a center nozzle is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. Mining bit 800 comprises aplurality of radial nozzle receptacles 820 arranged about a central axis803 of mining bit 800, and further comprises a center nozzle receptacle840. Center nozzle receptacle 840 may be configured to be centered aboutcentral axis 803, or alternatively, may be off-centered from centralaxis 803. Center nozzle receptacle 840 may be formed integrally with abit body 802 of mining bit 800, or may be attached using methods knownto those skilled in the art. Radial nozzle receptacles 820 may beconfigured as described previously and shown in FIG. 7A-7C. Referring toFIG. 8B, an end view of mining bit 800 is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure. Mining bit 800 is shown withradial nozzle receptacles 820 and center nozzle receptacle 840 arrangedabout central axis 803 of mining bit 800.

Now referring to FIG. 8C, a section side view of mining bit 800configured for radial nozzle receptacles 820 and central nozzlereceptacle 840 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. A center air passage 830 may extend through bit body 802 toconnect with multiple radial air passages 832. Radial air passages 832may extend from center air passage 830 to intersect nozzle boss airpassages 823. Center air passage 830 may comprise a divergent section842 which terminates at center nozzle receptacle 840. As previouslymentioned, nozzles (not shown) may be inserted into radial nozzlereceptacles 820 and center nozzle receptacle 840 by methods known tothose skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, threading,groove and pin retainer, and press fit. Nozzles may be adjustable andangled to direct flow to desired locations of the mining bit 800. Stillfurther, nozzles may vary in size or shape to adjust the fluid orairflow through them. In certain embodiments, fluid or airflow may bedirected through radial nozzle receptacles 820 and center nozzlereceptacle 840 without nozzles inserted in them.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for amining bit that is substantially easier to manufacture, and inparticular, easier to attach the wings to the bit body. The facetedforward section of the bit body may provide easier placement of thewings on the bit body by providing faceted surfaces on which to attachthe wings. For example, it may require less time to fit and weld thewings to the faceted surfaces as opposed to fitting the wings to conformto a conical or otherwise rounded surface and then attach the wings.Reducing manufacturing time and labor costs will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. The faceted bit body may also provide for easierplacement of nozzles used to remove cuttings from the cutters.

Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageouslyprovide for a mining bit having multiple air passages through the centerof the bit body. In selected embodiments, the air passages may provide amore directed air flow which may clean a bottom of a hole being drilledbetter by removing more cutting material and thereby increasing theefficiency of cutting removal. The air passages may cause a cross flowpattern to occur which may further increase the efficiency of cuttingsremoval from the hole. Also, multiple air passages may provide theability to adjust air flow parameters as a whole through the bit body orindividually per each wing. Multiple, adjustable, replaceable airpassages and nozzles may be provided in certain embodiments which mayallow for faster replacement. Further, nozzle sizes may be adjustedwithout removing the mining bit from a drill string. Adjustable featuresof the nozzles may include positioning in the wings so as to vary a flowdirection from the nozzles, lengths of the nozzles, diameter of thenozzles, or other parameters known to a person skilled in the art.

Still further, embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageouslyprovide for a mining bit with added structural strength. In certainembodiments, the wings may comprise non-coplanar surfaces, or have atrapezoidal cross-sectional area with a thicker base which tapersradially outward to a thinner cross-sectional area. Wings having thenon-coplanar surfaces may add rigidity at the base of the wings wherethey are attached to the bit body, thereby increasing the overallstrength against shearing and other forces experienced during operationsdownhole. Further, non-coplanar wings may provide improved removal ofcuttings from the hole, acting similar to curved wings. Certainembodiments having curved wings, or “spiral” wings, may also providebetter removal of cuttings from the hole by allowing for an easier pathfor the cuttings to exit. Further, curved wings may provide structuralrigidity for various loading experienced downhole, for example, torqueloading. Still further, flat wings slanted at a longitudinal angle fromthe center axis of the bit body may provide many advantages of curvedwings along with reduced cost of manufacturing. The flat, slanted wingsmay further provide torque offsetting and spiral effect.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure may furtherprovide for a mining bit with the ability to dampen vibrations which mayoccur during drilling operations. A mining bit with a variable spacingof the wings, as previously described, may change the natural frequencyof the drilling string and mining bit and result in and adjustmentand/or reduction of vibrations experienced downhole. A reduction ofvibrations downhole may provide an increased rate of penetration (ROP)for the mining bit which may lead to reduced drilling time and drillingcosts.

Additionally, wings offset a distance from the central axis of the bitbody may provide an increased rate of penetration (ROP) of the miningbit. Offset wings may provide a better cutting action as well as animproved efficiency and speed of a removal of the cuttings from the holebottom. Offset wings may further allow cutters to be positioned closerto the center of the bit, thereby providing the ability to leave moreroom if desired between cutters spaced along a leading edge of thewings.

Advantageously, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide for amining bit in which picks may be variably positioned on the leadingedges of the wings. For example, moving the picks radially inward on thewings toward the central axis of the bit body may provide improved bitbalancing or bit loading. A person having ordinary skill in the art willappreciate the ability to manipulate downhole bit conditions which mayreduce vibrations and improve ROP as previously mentioned. Bit balancingmay further be improved by varying a diameter of the picks. For example,the diameter of the picks positioned closer to the center of the bitbody may be reduced to allow for more to be attached on the blade, or tohave less cutting occur near the center of the bit, or to provide formore weight to be concentrated on outer picks of the mining bit.

Further, certain embodiments of the present disclosure mayadvantageously provide for a mining bit with wings having addedrigidity. Referring back to FIG. 1C, wings 108 may be attached to anouter circumference of central hub 114 so that wings 108 may not be incontact with one another. This configuration may provide for increasedrigidity of the wings as they may be solidly held together by centralhub 114. Further, wings 108 attached to central hub 114 may allow foreasier manufacturing of mining bit 100 because of less complicatedfitting requirements and weld joints. It will be understood by a personhaving ordinary skill in the art that wings may be attached to centralhub by methods other than welding, including brazing, fasteners, etc.

Still further, certain embodiments of the present disclosure may providefor a mining bit with a solid central hub not having a center holedrilled thru. The solid central hub may provide increased rigidity ofthe attached wings. In alternate embodiments of the present disclosure,the mining bit may comprise a hollow central hub having a center holedrilled thru. The center hole of the hollow hub may allow for a centernozzle to be installed in the center of the wings. The center nozzle mayimprove the efficiency of cutting removal from the borehole by removingcuttings from a center portion of the mining bit.

While the present disclosure has been described with respect to alimited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefitof this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may bedevised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure asdescribed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should belimited only by the attached claims.

1. A mining bit, comprising: a bit body having a central axis, the bitbody comprising a forward portion having faceted surfaces and a rearwardattachment portion; a plurality of wings extending from the facetedsurfaces of the bit body and arranged about a central hub; a pluralityof cutting elements disposed on distal ends of the wings.
 2. The miningbit of claim 1, further comprising cutting element receptacles toremoveably receive the cutting elements.
 3. The bit of claim 1, whereinthe rearward attachment portion of the bit body is configured to attachto a drill stem.
 4. The bit of claim 1, wherein the wings comprisenon-coplanar surfaces.
 5. The bit of claim 4, wherein the wings comprisea trapezoidal cross-sectional area with a larger base and flat surfacestapering to a thinner outer cross-sectional area extending radiallyoutwards.
 6. The bit of claim 1, wherein the wings comprise coplanarsurfaces.
 7. The bit of claim 1, wherein the wings are positionedparallel and centered with the central axis of the bit body.
 8. The bitof claim 1, wherein the wings are positioned offset and parallel withthe central axis of the bit body.
 9. The bit of claim 1, wherein thewings are positioned offset and slanted at a longitudinal angle from thecentral axis of the bit body.
 10. The bit of claim 1, wherein the wingsare positioned slanted at a longitudinal angle from the central axis ofthe bit body.
 11. The bit of claim 1, wherein the wings are positionedslanted at a radial angle from the central axis of the bit body.
 12. Thebit of claim 1, wherein the wings are positioned slanted at alongitudinal and radial angle from the central axis of the bit body. 13.The bit of claim 1, wherein the wings are curved.
 14. The bit of claim1, wherein the wings are curved and offset from the central axis of thebit body.
 15. The bit of claim 1, wherein the wings are variably spacedaround the central axis of the bit body.
 16. The bit of claim 1, whereinthe central hub is solid.
 17. The bit of claim 1, wherein the centralhub comprises a through hole.
 18. The bit of claim 1, further comprisingair passages through the bit body.
 19. The bit of claim 1, furthercomprising removable radial and center nozzles.
 20. The bit of claim 19,wherein the air passages are in communication with removable radial andcenter nozzles.
 21. The bit of claim 20, wherein the radial nozzle andcenter nozzles are adjustable.
 22. The bit of claim 1, wherein thecutting elements are spaced evenly along a distal end of the wings. 23.The bit of claim 1, wherein the cutting elements vary in diameter. 24.The bit of claim 1, wherein the central hub is centered about thecentral axis of the bit body.
 25. The bit of claim 1, wherein thecentral hub is offset from the central axis of the bit body.
 26. The bitof claim 1, wherein the central hub comprises a cylindrical outersurface.
 27. The bit of claim 1, wherein the central hub comprises afaceted outer surface.
 28. The bit of claim 1, further comprising slotsmilled in the wings to receive cutting element receptacles and cuttingelements.
 29. The bit of claim 1, further comprising cutting elementreceptacles formed and drilled in the wings to receive cutting elements.30. The bit of claim 1, wherein the cutting element receptacles areattached directly to the wings without milling.
 31. The bit of claim 1,wherein the central hub is positioned forward the forward portion of thebit body.
 32. A method of assembling a mining bit, the methodcomprising: providing a bit body having a central axis and comprisingfaceted surfaces on a forward section; attaching a plurality of wings tothe faceted surfaces of the bit body and to a central hub, positioningthe central hub forward of the forward section of the bit body;disposing cutting elements on distal ends of the wings.
 33. The methodof claim 32, wherein cutting elements are removeably disposed in cuttingelement receptacles attached to the wings.
 34. The method of claim 32,wherein the wings are attached offset from the central axis of the bitbody.
 35. The method of claim 32, wherein the wings are attached slantedat a longitudinal angle from the central axis of the bit body.
 36. Themethod of claim 32, wherein the wings are curved.
 37. A mining bit,comprising: a bit body having a central axis, the bit body comprising aconical forward portion and a rearward attachment portion; a pluralityof wings extending from the conical portion of the bit body and arrangedabout a central hub; a plurality of cutting elements disposed on distalends of the wings.
 38. The mining bit of claim 37, further comprisingcutting element receptacles to removeably receive the cutting elements.39. The bit of claim 37, wherein the rearward attachment portion of thebit body is configured to attach to a drill stem.
 40. The bit of claim37, wherein the wings comprise non-coplanar surfaces.
 41. The bit ofclaim 40, wherein the wings comprise a trapezoidal cross-sectional areawith a larger base and flat surfaces tapering to a thinner outercross-sectional area extending radially outwards
 42. The bit of claim37, wherein the wings comprise coplanar surfaces.
 43. The bit of claim37, wherein the wings are positioned parallel and centered with thecentral axis of the bit body.
 44. The bit of claim 37, wherein the wingsare positioned offset and parallel with the central axis of the bitbody.
 45. The bit of claim 37, wherein the wings are positioned offsetand slanted at a longitudinal angle from the central axis of the bitbody.
 46. The bit of claim 37, wherein the wings are positioned slantedat a longitudinal angle from the central axis of the bit body.
 47. Thebit of claim 37, wherein the wings are positioned slanted at a radialangle from the central axis of the bit body.
 48. The bit of claim 37,wherein the wings are positioned slanted at a longitudinal and radialangle from the central axis of the bit body.
 49. The bit of claim 37,wherein the wings are curved.
 50. The bit of claim 37, wherein the wingsare curved and offset from the central axis of the bit body.
 51. The bitof claim 37, wherein the wings are variably spaced around the centralaxis of the bit body.
 52. The bit of claim 37, wherein the central hubis solid.
 53. The bit of claim 37, wherein the central hub comprises athrough hole.
 54. The bit of claim 37, further comprising air passagesthrough the bit body.
 55. The bit of claim 37, further comprisingremovable radial and center nozzles.
 56. The bit of claim 55, whereinthe air passages are in communication with removable radial and centernozzles.
 57. The bit of claim 56, wherein the radial nozzle and centernozzles are adjustable.
 58. The bit of claim 37, wherein the cuttingelements are spaced evenly along a distal end of the wings.
 59. The bitof claim 37, wherein the cutting elements vary in diameter.
 60. The bitof claim 37, wherein the central hub is centered about the central axisof the bit body.
 61. The bit of claim 37, wherein the central hub isoffset from the central axis of the bit body.
 62. The bit of claim 37,wherein the central hub comprises a cylindrical outer surface.
 63. Thebit of claim 37, wherein the central hub comprises a faceted outersurface.
 64. The bit of claim 37, further comprising slots milled in thewings to receive cutting element receptacles and cutting elements. 65.The bit of claim 37, further comprising cutting element receptaclesformed and drilled in the wings to receive cutting elements.
 66. The bitof claim 37, wherein the cutting element receptacles are attacheddirectly to the wings without milling.
 67. The bit of claim 37, whereinthe central hub is positioned forward the forward portion of the bitbody.